WORKSHOPS: Wednesday – Sunday | August 15-19, 2018 (HALL A)
Classroom assignments will be emailed to you one week prior to the event and will be posted on signs at the center. Click HEREfor classroom assignments.

How much does it cost to attend?
Workshops
90 minutes: $45 | 2 hours: $65 | 3 and 4 hours: $85 | 6 hours: $155 | 2 Days: $355
Processing Fee: $5 per online/phone order
Most workshops also include a materials fee. You will receive a FREE 3-Day general admission pass in your cart when you register for at least one 3-hour or longer workshop

How do I register for Workshops or purchase General Admission?
Online: Click HERE to register on our easy-to-use, secure website for fast and easy access to your favorite workshops before they are sold out. View the workshops by date, teacher or skill level / technique. For best results, use Chrome, Firefox or Safari browser.

At Bead Fest: Purchase tickets at the Registration Desk in Hall A beginning at 8:00am on the first day of the event. Onsite registration is based on workshop availability. Please check the website prior to the event to see if space is available.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Online and Phone: VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express
At Bead Fest: Cash, Check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express

What is the cancellation policy?
Tickets to Bead Fest are sold on the same basis as those for cultural performances, football games and other one-time events. Mark your calendar carefully since all admission and workshop tickets are non-refundable. Please send someone in your place if you are unable to attend.

How do I add a workshop to my already existing order?
To add a workshop after you have already placed an order, place a second order online or over the phone.

Can I register for a friend?
We prefer each individual handles her/his own registration. However, if you need to register a friend, please create a separate account (you can pay with your credit card if you would like). This allows your friend to receive her/his own Order Confirmation, Tickets, Name Badge, Supply List and email messages from the teachers.

How do I receive my Order Confirmation, Tickets, Name Badge and Supply List?
You will receive your Order Confirmation email immediately after placing your order. NEW THIS YEAR: Print your tickets and name badge from your Order Confirmation and bring them with you to Bead Fest, as they will not be available for pick-up.

You will also find a link to print your Supply List in your Order Confirmation. To ensure a smooth workshop experience, review your supply list and bring all items with you.

Website: Go to beadfest.com, click Login” at the top of the page, enter your username (email address) and password, then click the “Login” button. Once logged in, click on “Order History” in the menu bar near the top of your screen.

What supplies do I need for my workshops?
Most workshops have a Supply List, which is included in your Order Confirmation email. Please review the list to ensure you come prepared for your workshops. You can also view the supply list for each workshop by clicking HERE (then click "View More" next to the workshop). Some workshops also have a materials fee, which covers materials purchased by the teachers in addition to those you'll be bringing.

What do I need to do when I arrive at the Convention Center?
Workshop Students: Print your tickets and name badge from your Order Confirmation email prior to arrival. Come to Hall A and pick up your shopping bag and optional name badge holder at the Registration Desk. Take your workshop ticket and supplies directly to your classroom.

General Admission to Expo Marketplace: Print your ticket from your Order Confirmation email prior to arrival. Come to Hall B and turn in your ticket at the Expo Marketplace Door or Registration Desk to receive your wristband.

To Purchase Workshops or General Admission at the Event: Come to the Registration Desk

Where are the classrooms located?
Classrooms are located near the Expo Marketplace inside the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Classroom assignments will be emailed to you one week prior to the event and will be posted on signs at the center. ClickHEREfor classroom assignments.

Can I bring my child into the Expo Marketplace or Classroom?
Children 15 and under are admitted into the Expo Marketplace for free when accompanied by an adult with a General Admission ticket. Children 16 and up are permitted in the classroom, provided she/he has her/his own ticket, and are accompanied by an adult with her/his own ticket.

What do I get with my General Admission ticket?
Your General Admission ticket will give you access to the Expo Marketplace for shopping with artisans and exhibitors from around the world, product suggestions and free demos. Explore a nearly endless selection of beads and gemstones that have traveled from every corner of the globe, along with tools, materials, findings, finished pieces of jewelry and more. Learn, shop ‘til you drop and get a look at one-of-a-kind treasures you’ll never find anywhere else! Make & Takes in the Inspiration Playground and 1-hour beginner workshops are also available at an additional cost.

How do I get to Bead Fest?
Drive: Click HERE for driving directions.
Fly: Fly into Philadelphia International Airport. Transportation options include car rental, airport shuttle (we recommend Tropiano), taxi, Uber, Lyft or public transit (take Bus 99 - it will drop you off at the entrance to Hall A).

How much is parking?
All parking at the Great Philadelphia Expo Center is FREE. There are plenty of handicap spaces, but they fill up fast.

Do you have a list of exhibitors?
Bead Fest Philadelphia’s Expo has more artisans and exhibitors than any other jewelry event on the East Coast! Click HERE to view the current list, and check back often as more are added. Click HERE to view the Show Program, which includes a map and exhibitor listing (exhibitors that signed up after the program printing will not be included).

What are the benefits of staying overnight at a host hotel?
Find extra satisfaction when you take a break from your day-to-day routine and stay at a Bead Fest host hotel. Once you arrive, you’re there for the duration – no household to keep on schedule, no interruptions from work or family. Staying at a host hotel makes your experience a mini-vacation, all for YOU! Click HERE for hotel accommodation information.

What should I wear?
Dress in layers or bring a sweater with you because temperatures may vary within the building. Don’t forget comfortable shoes!

What should I bring?

NEW THIS YEAR: Print your tickets and name badge from your Order Confirmation email and bring them with you, as they will not be available for pick-up.

Review your supply list in your Order Confirmation email and bring all items with you.

Note-taking supplies, pad of paper, pencil and pen.

Directions, parking and transportation information.

List of exhibitors you want to visit or a shopping list of items to find.

Can I check my bags?
There will be a convenient package check available.

Is there food available?
Food and beverage service will be available to refuel or take a break. The Center prohibits bringing outside food and beverage.

Concession Hours:

Wednesday
Hall A 8:00am to 2:00pm

Thursday
Hall A 8:00am to 6:00pm

Friday
Hall A 8:00am to 5:00pm
Hall B 9:30am to 5:30pm

Saturday
Hall A 8:00am to 5:00pm
Hall B 9:30am to 5:30pm

Sunday

Hall A 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hall B 9:30am to 3:30pm
Are strollers or rolling totes allowed inside the Expo Marketplace?
Strollers filled with children are allowed inside the Expo Marketplace. Please be courteous to others if you have a stroller! For safety’s sake, rolling totes are not allowed in the Expo Marketplace. There will be a convenient package check available. Please see a Bead Fest staff member if you need to use a rolling tote for medical reasons.

Is this a wholesale or retail event/what do wholesale buyers need to do?
Our events are open to the public and tend to be retail oriented. As such, prices marked by vendors will likely be retail. For qualified wholesale buyers who attend, it is up to each vendor to choose whether or not they wish to conduct wholesale transactions, check the buyer's credentials to confirm that they are licensed for wholesale transactions, and set their own minimums for such transactions.